ABSTRACT The global COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic and financial losses in the Ecuadorian banking sector. This study aims to determine the extent to which credit risk and liquidity affect the profitability of mutual savings banks in Ecuador between 2018 and 2021. To this end, the population consisted of the four existing mutual savings banks, and data from a panel of 192 observations were used, applying a PLS-SEM model to demonstrate the relationships. The results showed that credit risk has a negative impact on the liquidity and profitability of these financial institutions; in the case of liquidity, it was found that it does not affect profitability. Consequently, it is essential to control credit risk through delinquency indices, which makes it necessary to consider the structure of the loan portfolio.

RESUMEN La pandemia mundial producto del COVID-19 ocasionó importantes pérdidas económicas y financieras en el sector bancario ecuatoriano. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar en qué medida el riesgo crediticio y la liquidez afectan la rentabilidad de las mutualistas en Ecuador, entre el 2018 y 2021. Para tal efecto, la población estuvo constituida por las cuatro mutualistas existentes, con cuyos datos se trabajó con datos de panel de 192 observaciones, aplicando un modelo PLS-SEM para evidenciar las relaciones. De esta manera, los resultados mostraron que el riesgo crediticio incide negativamente sobre la liquidez y la rentabilidad de estas instituciones financieras; en el caso de la liquidez, se ha podido percibir que esta no afecta a la rentabilidad. En consecuencia, es sumamente importante controlar el riesgo crediticio, a través de los índices de morosidad, por lo que es necesario considerar la estructura de cartera.

Resumen: La investigación, con enfoque epistemológico cuantitativo y el paradigma positivista, tiene como objetivo definir la relación entre el marco regulatorio del sector financiero ecuatoriano y las condiciones de financiamiento a las pymes. Esta fue de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, permitiendo realizar un análisis descriptivo y factorial de variables vinculadas al conocimiento y aplicación de leyes y códigos regulatorios de 54 oficiales de crédito del sector bancario de El Oro, Ecuador. Se identificaron dos dimensiones: una relacionada con el marco regulatorio monetario y otra con códigos orgánicos. Las encuestas señalan que las leyes más aplicadas son: Ley General de Instituciones del Sector Financiero y Ley de Compañías. La primera regula la creación, funcionamiento y cierre de instituciones financieras privadas para proteger a la población y asegurar la estabilidad financiera; su cumplimiento es supervisado por la Superintendencia de Bancos. La segunda simplifica el proceso de constitución de empresas, permitiendo diversos tipos de compañías y flexibilidad en su estructura. Las regulaciones bancarias ecuatorianas han experimentado reformas para fortalecer la solidez y transparencia del sistema, como la Ley de Mercado de Valores y la Ley de Instituciones del Sistema de Seguros Privados, que contribuyen a la estabilidad, regulación, protección al consumidor financiero y promoción de la competencia, generando condiciones de financiamiento favorables, que incluyen confianza, tasas de interés competitivas y amplias opciones financieras.

Abstract: The research, with a quantitative epistemological approach and the positivist paradigm, aims to define the relationship between the regulatory framework of the Ecuadorian financial sector and the financing conditions for SMEs. This was of a descriptive-correlational type, allowing a descriptive and factorial analysis of variables linked to the knowledge and application of laws and regulatory codes of 54 credit officers from the banking sector of El Oro, Ecuador. Two dimensions were identified: one related to the monetary regulatory framework and another with organic codes. Surveys indicate that the most applied laws are: General Law of Financial Sector Institutions and Companies Law. The first regulates the creation, operation and closure of private financial institutions to protect the population and ensure financial stability; Its compliance is supervised by the Superintendency of Banks. The second simplifies the business incorporation process, allowing various types of companies and flexibility in their structure. Ecuadorian banking regulations have undergone reforms to strengthen the soundness and transparency of the system, such as the Securities Market Law and the Law of Institutions of the Private Insurance System, which contribute to stability, regulation, financial consumer protection and promotion of competition, generating favorable financing conditions, which include confidence, competitive interest rates and broad financial options.

Resumen: En el escenario competitivo del sector bancario, las actividades de marketing y branding se han convertido en un elemento crucial para el éxito a largo plazo de las instituciones financieras. Desde la gestión del brand equity, la confianza y la lealtad son esenciales, no solo en los procesos operativos con los usuarios, sino en la consolidación de la marca como un activo estratégico. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la multidimensionalidad del brand equity para el sector bancario desde la perspectiva de la generación Z. Se desarrolla un estudio de tipo cuantitativo, analítico y de corte transversal, utilizando el análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio a partir de un instrumento aplicado de forma on line a personas pertenecientes a este segmento generacional. Los hallazgos infieren que el brand equity en el sector bancario dirigido a la generación Z está conformado por las siguientes dimensiones: fidelidad e importancia de la marca (FIM), calidad percibida (CP), asociación de marca (AM), rendimiento de la marca (RM) y conciencia de la marca (CM). Se concluye que el sector bancario debe seguir consolidando su brand equity como actividad estratégica a partir de dichas dimensiones, fortaleciendo el posicionamiento de sus marcas, su participación y su orientación al mercado, garantizando el entendimiento de las necesidades, deseos y comportamientos de la generación Z.

Abstract: In the competitive scenario of the banking sector, marketing and branding activities have become a crucial element for the long-term success of financial institutions. From the perspective of brand equity management, trust and loyalty are essential, not only in the operational processes with users, but also in the consolidation of the brand as a strategic asset. The aim of this research was to analyse the multidimensionality of brand equity for the banking sector from the perspective of Generation Z. A quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis based on an instrument applied online to people belonging to this generational segment. The findings infer that brand equity in the banking sector aimed at Generation Z is made up of the following dimensions: brand loyalty and importance (BLI), perceived quality (PQ), brand association (BA), brand performance (BP) and brand awareness (BA). It is concluded that the banking sector must continue to consolidate its brand equity as a strategic activity based on these dimensions, strengthening its brand positioning, market share and market orientation, ensuring an understanding of the needs, desires, and behaviours of Generation Z.

Digital information and data are crucial drivers of progress in various industries, including mining, where data-driven decision making optimizes resource extraction, enhances safety, and ensures sustainability. The adoption of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things has amplified the importance of digital information. However, the integrity and security of this information are paramount, leading to the exploration of blockchain technology as a potential solution for secure digital value exchange in mining. This research examines blockchain's capabilities, drawing insights from its applications in sectors like banking, government, healthcare, and entertainment, and evaluates their relevance to mining's core value chain processes. The study identifies blockchain's distributed ledger technology, cryptographic security, and decentralization as unique advantages that can revolutionize mining by enhancing transaction speed, reducing costs, and improving supply chain transparency and compliance with sustainability standards. Blockchain's transparent and auditable records can enhance business transparency, fostering trust among stakeholders, including investors and regulatory bodies. The technology's consensus mechanisms and smart contracts further promote trust in collaborative ventures. This research provides a foundational understanding for decision-makers in the mining industry to evaluate blockchain's feasibility and potential return on investment, guiding strategic planning and resource allocation for blockchain applications. By leveraging blockchain, mining companies can optimize operations, improve sustainability practices, and establish a robust foundation for future growth, positioning blockchain as a transformative technology in the sector.

RESUMEN El cacao ha aportado sustanciales ingresos a la economía ecuatoriana, al punto de llamársele “pepa de oro” desde el siglo XIX, por ser la base de las primeras industrias y entidades bancarias y dinamizador del desarrollo socio-económico. En la cadena de producción y comercialización cacaotera intervienen múltiples actores, estableciéndose interrelaciones para posicionar los productos del cacao en el mercado interno, pero destinando la mayor parte a la exportación. Este estudio analiza el proceso de comercialización de productos a partir de la identificación de sus principales canales. Sobre la base de una metodología mixta con enfoque descriptivo, se caracterizó el producto y su comercialización a partir de los resultados de una encuesta a actores del sector comercio de la provincia de Manabí. Se demuestra la preferencia por el consumo de productos del cacao procedentes de distribuidoras locales con políticas de pago flexibles, ciclos operativos de reposición de productos y respetuosas de las normativas legales y sanitarias. Entre los derivados con mayor consumo se encuentra el chocolate en polvo y el chocolate en barra, con preferencias hacia los envases en funda y sachets. Los resultados pueden ser generalizados a otras localidades, para potenciar la comercialización de productos derivados del cacao.

ABSTRACT Cocoa has contributed substantial income to the Ecuadorian economy, to the point of being called “golden nugget” since the 19th century, for being the basis of the first industries and banking entities and driving socio-economic development. Multiple actors intervene in the cocoa production and marketing chain, establishing interrelationships to position cocoa products in the domestic market, but allocating the majority to export. This study analyzes the product marketing process by identifying its main channels. Based on a mixed methodology with a descriptive approach, the product and its marketing were characterized based on the results of a survey of actors in the commerce sector in the province of Manabí. The preference for the consumption of cocoa products from local distributors with flexible payment policies, operational product replacement cycles and respect for legal and health regulations is demonstrated. Among the derivatives with the greatest consumption are chocolate powder and chocolate bars, with preferences towards packaging in cases and sachets. The results can be generalized to other locations, to enhance the marketing of cocoa products.

Abstract Purpose: This paper makes a novel attempt to estimate the potential impact of credit risk on foreign direct investment (FDI hereafter), thereby focusing on a completely unexplored area in the existing empirical literature. Design/methodology/approach: To provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between credit risk and FDI inflows, the study incorporates all the eight-member economies of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC hereafter) and analyzes a panel data set, over the period 2011 to 2019, extracted from the World Development Indicators, using the suitable econometric techniques for the efficient estimations of the specified models. Findings: The results indicate a negative and statistically significant relationship between the credit risk of the banking sectors and FDI inflows. Similarly, market size and inflation rate appear to be the two other main factors behind the increasing FDI inflows in the SAARC member economies. Interestingly, the size of the market became irrelevant in attracting FDI inflows when the Indian economy is excluded from the sample due to its higher economic weight. On the other hand, FDI inflows are not dependent on the level of trade openness, with most of the specifications showing either an insignificant or negative coefficient of the variable. Practical implications: The obtained results are unique and robust to alternative methodologies, and hence, the SAARC economies could consider them as the critical inputs in formulating the appropriate policies on FDI inflows. Originality/value: The findings are unique and original. The authors have established a relationship between credit risk and FDI for the first time in the SAARC context.

ABSTRACT Objective: this article investigates the dynamics of intraorganizational coopetition within a Brazilian public bank, examining how competition, cooperation, and coopetition coexist within the same institution. Methods and Results: through a qualitative deductive approach using a case study method, it was found that collaborative practices among branches and superintendencies validate the propositions that competition, cooperation, and coopetition can coexist in the same environment. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of coopetition for the operational efficiency and commercial performance of the bank, addressing the impact of organizational climate, knowledge sharing, and concealment, along with the challenges and benefits associated with intraorganizational coopetition. Conclusions: this research offers valuable insights for managers and contributes to the understanding of coopetition in competitive settings like the banking sector. Objective bank competition cooperation institution Results method environment Furthermore climate sharing concealment Conclusions sector

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es discutir las diversas estrategias de financiarización del sector sucroenergético en Brasil, como la adquisición de crédito bancario, la emisión de títulos de deuda, la salida a bolsa y la especulación en el mercado de commodities. En los últimos años, los agentes del sector sucroenergético han apostado cada vez más por acceder a distintas formas de capitalización para inflar sus activos y realizar inversiones productivas y especulativas. El contexto se enmarca en la hegemonía del capital financiero sobre la economía política de mercado y las grandes empresas, lo que se traduce en una creciente influencia en las decisiones empresariales. Así, se observa que la agroindustria globalizada es una de las actividades económicas que viene teniendo estrechas relaciones con los agentes financieros para ampliar el proceso de acumulación de capital, aumentando aún más los niveles de riqueza de los inversionistas. Brasil bancario deuda commodities años especulativas empresas empresariales Así inversionistas

Abstract This article aims to discuss the several financialization strategies used by sugarcane industry in Brazil, such as banking credit acquisitions, issuance of debt securities, IPO on the stock exchange and speculation in the commodities market. In recent years, agents of the sugarcane sector have been increasingly to access different ways of capitalization to inflate their assets and make productive and speculative investments. The context is part of the hegemony of financial capital over the political economy of the market and large firms, resulting in growing influence on corporate decisions. Thus, it is observed that globalized agribusiness is one of the economic activities that has been having narrow relations with the financial agents to expand the process of capital accumulation, increasing even more the investors’ wealth levels. Brazil acquisitions securities years investments firms decisions Thus accumulation investors levels

Resumo O objetivo do presente artigo é discutir as várias estratégias de financeirização do setor sucroenergético no Brasil, como a aquisição de crédito bancário, emissão de títulos de dívida, abertura de capital em bolsa de valores e especulação no mercado de commodities. Nos últimos anos, os agentes do setor sucroenergético têm se empenhado cada vez mais em acessar diferentes formas de capitalização para inflacionar seus ativos e realizar investimentos produtivos e especulativos. O contexto se insere na hegemonia do capital financeiro sobre a economia política do mercado e das grandes empresas, resultando em crescente influência sobre as decisões corporativas. Sendo assim, observa-se que o agronegócio globalizado é uma das atividades econômicas que vem tendo estreitas relações com os agentes financeiros para ampliar o processo de acumulação do capital, aumentando ainda mais os níveis de riqueza dos investidores. Brasil bancário dívida commodities anos especulativos empresas corporativas assim observase observa investidores

ABSTRACT Introduction: Information management contributes to the development of organizations, as it enables the availability, access and use of information for decision making. Objective: This article seeks to present the challenges of information management at the strategic level of a company in the banking sector. Methodology: The interview was used as the instrument for collecting data that was analyzed through the Discourse of the Collective Subject, with the identification of three categories of analysis: access, registration and organization. Results: Difficulties in accessing and understanding information and the need to turn to experts, the owner of the information, were identified; in addition to the large volume of information and limited time to access and interact with it and the lack of incentive or appreciation for recording information in project development and the existence of multiple channels that make access and appropriation of information by subjects difficult. Conclusion: The results point to the need for greater attention to the user in information management processes, in order to provide adequate and facilitated access to information repositories, management of available channels, encouragement of registration and the need to discard information obsolete. Introduction organizations availability making Objective sector Methodology Subject analysis organization Results experts identified difficult Conclusion processes repositories obsolete

RESUMO Introdução: A gestão da informação contribui para o desenvolvimento das organizações, à medida que possibilita a disponibilização, acesso e uso da informação para a tomada de decisões. Objetivo: Este artigo busca apresentar os desafios da gestão da informação no nível estratégico de uma empresa do setor bancário. Metodologia: Utilizou-se da entrevista como instrumento de coleta de dados que formam analisados por meio do Discurso do sujeito coletivo, com a identificação de três categorias de análise, quais sejam acesso, registro e organização. Resultados: Foram identificadas a dificuldade de acesso e compreensão da informação e a necessidade de recorrer a especialistas, ao dono da informação; além do grande volume de informações e tempo escasso para acesso e interação com elas e de não haver incentivo ou valorização do registro de informações em desenvolvimento de projetos e a existência de múltiplos canais que dificultam o acesso e apropriação da informação pelos sujeitos. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam a necessidade de maior atenção ao usuário nos processos de gestão da informação, a fim de propiciar o acesso adequado e facilitado aos repositórios de informação, o gerenciamento dos canais disponíveis, o incentivo ao registro e a necessidade do descarte da informação obsoleta. Introdução organizações disponibilização decisões Objetivo bancário Metodologia Utilizouse Utilizou se coletivo análise organização Resultados especialistas sujeitos Conclusão disponíveis obsoleta

Resumen En este artículo, nuestro objetivo fue identificar las principales implicaciones del estrés laboral para la salud de los trabajadores y para la funcionalidad de una organización bancaria ubicada en Minas Gerais durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Desarrollamos un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, a través de una encuesta a 306 profesionales bancarios. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Como resultado, se destaca la construcción de un modelo estructural, en el cual es posible verificar las implicaciones y efectos entre las dimensiones individual, social y funcional. Este estudio contribuyó a la discusión de variables asociadas al estrés ocupacional, considerando el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, marcado por adversidades y hasta ahora con pocos estudios relacionados con profesionales del sector financiero, especialmente bancarios. Las relaciones entre las dimensiones sirvieron de base para identificar las manifestaciones de estrés ocupacional en los individuos y sus impactos en la funcionalidad de la organización, considerando el escenario de la pandemia. artículo COVID19. COVID19 COVID 19. 19 COVID-19 cuantitativo 30 bancarios estructurales resultado estructural individual funcional contribuyo COVID19, 19, financiero COVID1 1 COVID-1 3 COVID-

Abstract This article aimed to identify the main implications of occupational stress for workers’ health and for the functionality of a banking organization located in Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed a quantitative study through a survey of 306 banking professionals. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. As a result, the construction of a structural model stands out, making it possible to verify the implications and effects between the individual, social, and functional dimensions. This study contributed to the discussion of variables associated with occupational stress, considering the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by adversities and so far with few studies related to professionals in the financial sector, especially banking. Considering the pandemic scenario, the relationships between the dimensions served as the basis for identifying the manifestations of occupational stress in individuals and their impacts on the organization’s functionality. workers Gerais Brazil COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 30 modeling result out individual social sector scenario organizations s COVID1 1 COVID- 3

Resumo Neste artigo o objetivo foi identificar as principais implicações do estresse ocupacional na saúde do trabalhador e na funcionalidade de uma organização bancária localizada em Minas Gerais durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Desenvolvemos um estudo de abordagem quantitativa, por meio de um levantamento (survey) com 306 profissionais bancários. Os dados foram analisados por meio da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Como resultados, destaca-se a construção de um modelo estrutural no qual é possível verificar implicações e efeitos entre as dimensões individual, social e funcional. Este estudo contribuiu para a discussão das variáveis associadas ao estresse ocupacional, considerando o contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, marcado por adversidades e, até então, com poucos estudos centrados nos profissionais do setor financeiro, especialmente bancários. As relações entre as dimensões serviram de base para identificar as manifestações de estresse ocupacional dos indivíduos e os seus impactos na funcionalidade da organização, considerando o cenário da pandemia. implicacoes implicac es saude sau organizacao organizac bancaria banca ria COVID19. COVID19 COVID 19. 19 COVID-19 quantitativa survey (survey 30 bancarios rios bancários Equacoes Equac Estruturais resultados destacase destaca se construcao construc possivel possi vel dimensoes dimenso individual funcional discussao discussa variaveis varia veis COVID19, 19, ate entao enta então financeiro relacoes relac manifestacoes manifestac individuos indivi duos cenario cena rio COVID1 1 COVID-1 3 COVID-

South Africa has recently established its first deposit insurance body, the Corporation for Deposit Insurance (the Corporation), as part of the Twin Peaks regulatory reforms following the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis (Crisis). The primary responsibilities of the Corporation are to establish, maintain and administer a deposit insurance fund to protect the banks' covered depositors and inform the depositors of its benefits and limitations, should a bank be placed into resolution. The rationale behind the protection of depositors is premised on the need to maintain confidence and financial stability in the banking sector. This article appraises the features of the new deposit insurance system as enshrined in the Financial Sector Laws Amendment Act 2021 (FSLA Act). The article evaluates whether the new framework for the protection of depositors aligns with international standards, particularly the International Association of Deposit Insurers' Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems. The pertinent question is whether the current features of South Africa's deposit insurance are optimally designed to ensure its effectiveness. The article ends with practical suggestions for strengthening the South African deposit insurance framework to ensure its optimal alignment with international good practice.

ORIENTATION: The concept of happiness at work has attracted increasing interest, and research shows that employee performance does not only depend on skills and abilities. Job satisfaction or career happiness also plays an important role. When employees are satisfied with their careers, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged and committed to their work, which leads to better performance RESEARCH PURPOSE: To investigate the factors that determine the career happiness of employees who are working in the banking sector in Oman, and identify the factors that influence career happiness MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Career happiness in Oman's banking sector is a crucial and new topic. This study aims to identify causes and improve performance for researchers and practitioners RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: The study relies on quantitative methods, using a survey gathered electronically from 144 respondents from different banks operating in Oman. The survey has eight major aspects with questions for each aspect. Data are analysed using various statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, independent sample tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons MAIN FINDINGS: The study found that line manager and colleagues are the top factors influencing career happiness, followed by working days, work environment, job security and financial incentives. No differences were found on gender or educational level PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: This research explores factors influencing career happiness in the banking sector, providing insights for managers to create a positive work environment, boosting employee performance and contributing to the growth and success of the Oman banking sector CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This study provides specific determinant factors affecting the career happiness of employees working in banking sectors in Oman. Both human resources researchers and practitioners could benefit from the research findings

ORIENTATION: Employee empowerment has received widespread attention in both academic and business literature. The idea is that an empowered employee is a productive worker; a productive worker is, in turn, a competitive asset to the organisation. However, the banking industry in many developing nations still falls short in employee empowerment. RESEARCH PURPOSE: This study aims to analyse the robust strategies for empowering bank workers and their effects on job performance. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: The study was motivated by the fact that extant studies seem inconsistent in identifying the precise empowerment strategies capable of igniting better work performance in the banking industry. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design targeting 316 middle-level bank managers in the five biggest banks in Nigeria. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire and processed using the structural equation modelling in SmartPLS software. MAIN FINDINGS: Results showed that employee empowerment variables (employee input acknowledgment, mutual decision-making, joint resolution implementation, and sense of belonging climate) were positively related to improved job performance PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The study has shown that improved employee performance can be achieved when the adopted empowerment strategy is a mix of employee input acknowledgment, mutual decision-making, joint resolution implementation, and a sense of belonging climate. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: The study has addressed the existing gaps in the banking sector employee empowerment by highlighting four new strategies.

ABSTRACT The sectorial trajectory of banking in the Province of Malleco (Southern Chile) between 1887 and 1913 is studied, seeking to contribute to regional economic and financial history studies. It is argued that there was a diversification at the beginning of the 20th century, going from focusing on cereal production in the 19th century to expanding its operations in commerce and industry in the 20th, which meant development of the specialized financial sector. An exhaustive review of notarial archives, population and production censuses, ministerial reports, press, and literature was used.

RESUMEN Se estudia la trayectoria sectorial de la banca en la Provincia de Malleco (sur de Chile) entre 1887 y 1913, buscando hacer una contribución a los estudios de historia económica y financiera regional. Se sostiene que hubo una diversificación a inicios del siglo XX, pasando de enfocarse en la producción de cereales en el siglo XIX, a expandir sus operaciones en el comercio y la industria en el XX, lo que significó un desarrollo del sector financiero especializado. Se recurrió a una exhaustiva revisión de archivos notariales, censos de población y productivos, memorias ministeriales, prensa y literatura.

PURPOSE: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work has increased dramatically, with organisations still experimenting with different hybrid work models. This study aimed to explore the leadership competencies and practices needed to facilitate the successful transition to the new hybrid work context, using adaptive leadership theory as the overarching research framework. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A cross-sectional, qualitative design was adopted. Data were gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews with a sample of 20 executives and senior managers drawn from 5 leading South African banks. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The adaptation processes and leadership competencies adopted by participants were mostly aligned to adaptive leadership theory. However, participants needed to strengthen their skills in communication, listening and empathy, as well as enhance leadership characteristics such as authenticity, humility, trust and transparency. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study could inform the redesign of job specifications for leaders and managers in charge of hybrid work teams, particularly if they are in the early stages of the transition. More strategically, the study could facilitate the creation of adaptive workspaces and lay the foundation for more effective leadership in hybrid working environments. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Whereas previous studies have explored flexible and or hybrid working arrangements from employees' perspectives, little research has been conducted on managers and leaders perspectives in this regard, which was the focus of this study. An important finding was that while participants were comfortable making the technical transition to hybrid work (using more technology), they saw the social demands of a hybrid work environment as more challenging.